An Umno lawmaker has dismissed Dr Mahathir Mohamad's allegation that Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu (Bersatu) youth wing members are being offered up to RM50,000 to ditch the party and ink a document pledging to vote for BN in the next polls.

Sekijang MP Anuar Abd Manap said it would be better for Umno to use the money for itself.

“It is better to utilise the RM50,000 to prepare for the election and ask more people to join Umno,” he told Malaysiakini.

According to Anuar, the problem with Bersatu is that it comprises disappointed people, or as Umno terms them, “orang rosak” (defective folk).

Mahathir's accusation was made in the wake of dissidents emerging in Bersatu Youth, with two exco members questioning the wealth of the former premier's children and party president Muhyiddin Yassin's alleged affair with a married woman.

Meanwhile, Annuar also criticised Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairperson, for claiming that an emergency might be declared if BN is defeated in the next election by a small margin.

Describing this as a wild allegation, Annuar said: “Regardless of whether it is a marginal defeat or otherwise, if the opposition wins, it is they who would have the power to declare an emergency, not us.”

“This is ridiculous,” he added.

In a blog posting yesterday, Mahathir claimed that if the opposition achieved a marginal win, the results could be declared null and void.

"Either that or the government would refuse to admit defeat. The opposition would be accused of cheating. No evidence would be needed for the government to declare this. The bullies in BN would be ready to create instability.

"On this basis, there could be a declaration of a state of emergency and Parliament would be suspended," he added.